Outdoor Living

Expand your living space into the Texas outdoors. TrueBuilt designs and builds custom decks, patios, outdoor kitchens, and complete exterior transformations β€” engineered for Austin's climate, code-compliant, and built to last.

Texas Licensed General Contractor
BBB Accredited A+
NARI Member
Austin Energy Green Building
$2M General Liability Coverage

Austin's Outdoor Living & Exterior Specialists

Austin homeowners live outdoors for most of the year β€” and your home should reflect that. TrueBuilt designs and builds custom decks, covered patios, screened porches, and outdoor kitchens that seamlessly extend your interior living space while complying with Austin's strict impervious cover regulations and building codes.

Beyond outdoor living spaces, we deliver complete exterior facelifts: HardiePlank fiber cement siding replacement, energy-efficient window upgrades, masonry and stone veneer work, and hardscaping that improves curb appeal while reducing long-term maintenance and energy costs. We also build outdoor kitchens with built-in grills and smokers, install xeriscaping-friendly hardscape features, and engineer drainage solutions for Central Texas clay soils.

  • Custom composite and hardwood decks
  • Covered patios and screened porches
  • Outdoor kitchens and living areas
  • HardiePlank siding replacement
  • Energy-efficient window upgrades
  • Masonry and stone veneer work

Scope of Work

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Custom Decks & Patios

We build with premium composite decking from Trex and TimberTech as well as natural hardwoods like Ipe and cedar. Our portfolio includes elevated multi-level decks, ground-level patios, stamped concrete entertainment areas, and permeable paver installations designed to meet Austin's impervious cover limits.

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Covered Porches & Pergolas

Enjoy bug-free Texas evenings with screened porches, or add shade with cedar and steel pergolas. We build insulated patio covers with integrated ceiling fans, recessed outdoor lighting, and weather-resistant electrical for year-round outdoor comfort in Austin's climate.

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Outdoor Kitchens

Custom outdoor kitchens with built-in grills, smokers, pizza ovens, and concrete countertops. We install outdoor-rated sinks, refrigeration units, and weather-resistant cabinetry β€” all plumbed, wired, and permitted to Austin code for a fully functional cooking and entertaining space.

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Siding & Exterior Cladding

Upgrade your home's exterior with HardiePlank fiber cement siding, LP SmartSide engineered wood, natural wood cladding, or stone veneer accents. We also handle stucco repair and full house wraps with proper moisture barriers to protect against Central Texas humidity and storm damage.

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Window & Door Upgrades

Replace aging single-pane windows with energy-efficient Low-E glass rated for Texas heat. We install impact-rated options for storm protection, sliding glass walls that open to outdoor living areas, French doors, and ensure proper flashing and weatherproofing on every opening.

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Hardscaping & Drainage

We build retaining walls, stone walkways, fire pits, and seat walls that define your outdoor spaces. Permeable pavers help meet impervious cover compliance, while French drains, channel drains, and proper grading manage Central Texas stormwater to protect your foundation and landscaping.

Our Outdoor Living Process

Site Assessment & Feasibility

We evaluate your lot's impervious cover allowance, setback requirements, tree ordinance impacts, drainage conditions, and utility locations to confirm what can be built and how to maximize your outdoor space within Austin's zoning rules.

Design & Material Selection

Our team creates detailed site plans, 3D renderings, and material samples so you can visualize your outdoor space before construction. You receive a fixed-price proposal covering every material, finish, and fixture β€” no vague allowances.

Permitting & Preparation

We submit all required permits to the City of Austin, including site plans, impervious cover calculations, and structural drawings. We coordinate utility locates, material deliveries, and trade scheduling so construction starts on time.

Build & Final Walkthrough

Daily progress updates through your client portal keep you informed throughout construction. We pass all required inspections, complete punch-list items, and walk you through every feature of your new outdoor living space or exterior upgrade.

What Goes Into a Outdoor Living?

Covered Patio
Outdoor Living Space
Attached covered patio with concrete slab, structural posts, ceiling fan, and lighting β€” up to 400 sq ft of covered space.
Exterior Re-Skin
Full Exterior Upgrade
Complete exterior refresh β€” HardiePlank or LP SmartSide siding, new windows, roofline upgrades, and architectural trim package.

Key factors that shape your investment:

  • Austin impervious cover limits (typically 40–50% of lot area) restrict total hard surface β€” all patios count toward this limit
  • Permeable paver systems can reduce impervious cover impact, allowing larger patio footprints on constrained lots
  • Siding material choice (HardiePlank fiber cement vs. LP SmartSide vs. traditional wood) affects durability and finish options
  • Window replacement for energy-efficient Low-E glass improves comfort and reduces cooling loads in Austin's climate
  • Outdoor kitchen plumbing and gas line connections require permits and depend on distance to existing utility lines

* Outdoor project investment varies by scope, materials, and impervious cover constraints specific to your lot. Contact us for a free, site-specific proposal.

Outdoor Living FAQs

Yes, most deck and patio projects in Austin require a building permit from the City of Austin Development Services Department. Any attached structure, elevated deck over 30 inches, or project that adds impervious cover to your lot will trigger the permit process. The city requires a site plan showing impervious cover calculations, setback compliance, and structural details. TrueBuilt handles the entire permitting process for you β€” from application to final inspection.
For Austin's intense sun and heat, composite decking from brands like Trex and TimberTech is the most popular choice due to its durability, low maintenance, and resistance to warping, fading, and insect damage. Premium composites feature built-in UV protection and cooler surface technology. Natural hardwoods like Ipe (Brazilian walnut) are another excellent option β€” extremely dense, naturally resistant to rot and insects, and they stay cooler underfoot than many composites. We help you choose the right material based on your budget, aesthetic preferences, and how the space will be used.
Impervious cover is a critical factor in Austin outdoor construction. The City of Austin limits the percentage of your lot that can be covered by impervious surfaces β€” including rooftops, driveways, patios, decks, and concrete. Most residential lots in Austin have a 40% to 45% impervious cover limit, though this varies by watershed and zoning district. Every square foot of new deck, patio, or covered structure counts toward your allowance. TrueBuilt calculates your existing and proposed impervious cover during the site assessment to ensure your project stays compliant. We also design with permeable pavers and elevated deck systems that can help reduce impervious cover impact.
Outdoor kitchen investment varies based on size, appliance package, and materials. A basic built-in grill station with countertops and storage is considerably simpler than a full outdoor kitchen with a built-in grill, smoker, pizza oven, refrigeration, plumbed sink, and weather-resistant cabinetry. Additional covered structures, lighting, and premium countertop materials (concrete, granite, or quartzite) further influence the scope. TrueBuilt provides a detailed, fixed-price proposal after the design phase so you know the exact scope and investment before construction begins.
Yes. When HardiePlank fiber cement siding is installed as part of a complete exterior upgrade β€” including a modern house wrap, properly sealed penetrations, and updated insulation behind the new cladding β€” homeowners typically see meaningful reductions in heating and cooling costs. Fiber cement siding is non-combustible, resists rot and insect damage, and does not expand and contract as much as vinyl, which helps maintain a tighter building envelope. Combined with energy-efficient Low-E window upgrades, a full exterior facelift can significantly reduce thermal transfer and lower your utility bills, especially during Austin's hot summers.

Ready to Start Your Outdoor Living Project?

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